Most Helpful Positive Review

Jun 12, 2007

I am a huge pasta lover, and let me say, I was not disappointed with this dish! Substituted Italian pancetta for actual bacon, added in a pinch of Italian seasoning and used rotini spirals since we didn't have any penne, but it never marred the taste a bit, enhanced it if anything. Warning: 12 ounces of pasta makes a lot, so double the amount of water needed.

Most Helpful Critical Review

Apr 16, 2003

I only rated this recipe as a three out of confusion. When I made this last week by fiance adored it, and said it was the best vodka sauce he ever had . . . while on the other hand I couldn't even eat one serving of it because all I could taste was bacon, which was gross. I guess that if you love bacon this is a good recipe, because my fiance made me promise not to get rid of the recipe so that I could make it down the road again for him. I DID add some parmesan cheese to the sauce . . . because it really needed a little something extra.

This was my first attempt at an a la vodka sauce and my entire family went back for seconds! I did make some changes, though. After the addition of the chopped tomatoes, I took my immersion blender to the mixture as both my teenage sons won't go near any visible onion or tomato chunks. Once pureed, I knew I'd get it past their lips! I did leave the crushed tomato bits in though. I also added 1/2 tsp. dried basil for a touch of color. I used half & half and ended up using almost 3 cups. Delish! Diane :-)

GREAT dish...one of my favs. I modify a little, sometimes using regular spaghetti sauce instead of crushed tomatoes and a can of diced tomatoes...all the same basic idea. Usually use less onion and never skimp on the garlic. Love this meal with kielbasa sausage or shrimp. Yum!!!

I have tried many many different Penne a la Vodka recipes, and this is by far THE BEST I have yet to encounter! Although I didn't follow the recipe EXACTLY, I would never have thought of making it like this otherwise. I used Center cut bacons (b/c that's what I had in hand, but I realize using regular bacon may be too strong of a flavor, and you cut a lot of fat by using Center cut). I also only use San Marzano Tomato Sauce, or Peeled Tomatoes, because they are less salty and every chef I know recommends them. I also did not use fresh tomatoes because I just happened to miss that part, but it was great nonetheless. As for heavy cream, I never measure the full amount because it's usually too heavy for me, so I just eyeball it for color and my preference in flavor for the heavy cream. Thank you so much for the recipe, I will never have to look up another Penne a la Vodka sauce recipe again!!

I LOVED this sauce and so did my family. I was looking for a rose sauce and found this. YUM!! The 1st time I made it I had everything on hand except for the vodka so I left that out and it was still excellent. I think I'll make it for dinner tonight! :o)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.